What do texture mean in music

Monophonic music has only one melodic line, with no harmony or counterpoint. There may be rhythmic accompaniment, but only one line that has specific pitches.

Monophonic music can also be called monophony. Examples of Monophony. Homophonic music can also be called homophony. Describing homophonic music you may hear such terms as chords, accompaniment, harmony or harmonies. All other parts provide accompaniment or fill in the chords. In most well-written homophony, the parts that are not melody may still have a lot of melodic interest.

They may follow many of the rules of well-written counterpoint, and they can sound quite different from the melody and be interesting to listen to by themselves.

But when they are sung or played with the melody, it is clear that they are not independent melodic parts, either because they have the same rhythm as the melody i. Homophony is sometimes further divided into two subcategories, homorhythm and melody and accompaniment.

Homorhythm is a type of homophonic texture in which all voices move in an extremely similar or completely unison rhythm. This is most often seen in chorale-like compositions, where the melody and harmonies move together in block chords. Example 5.

Example 6. Remember that in a homorhythmic texture there is a similarity of rhythm throughout all of the voices. In this example there is a melody that stands out from the texture, but the voices still move in rhythmic unison. A melody and accompaniment texture is perhaps the most common type of homophony.

This texture is characterized by a clear melody which is distinct from other supporting voices, which are called an accompaniment. Often the melody will have a different rhythm than the supporting voice s. Example 7. This example features a very clear melody flute and accompaniment piano. Notice how the piano is never completely in rhythmic unison with the flute; however, it provides the role of accompaniment by filling out the texture harmonically.

Example 8. Polyphony is characterized by multiple voices with separate melodic lines and rhythms. In other words, each voice has their own independent melodic line, and the independent voices blend together to create harmonies. Example 9. Notice how each individual melodic line is independent, yet the voices create harmonies overall when heard together. Notice how there are three independent vocal layers, singing different melodies and rhythms, but working together to create new harmonies overall:.

Example Stop feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. The effective practice mini-course will show you how to practice smarter and play better. Fuel your motivation, with practice methods that work and enjoy playing more music accurately and fluently. If you would like more continued support in helping you have fun and better progress on your instrument please check out the Learn Music Together Membership.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I like to call these terms the phonics, and they provide a good starting point for students.

Texture in music definition In music, musical texture refers to the way a piece sounds. Monophonic Music Definition Monophonic texture has a single line of music with no accompaniment.

The plainsongs and Gregorian chants are the earliest monophonic examples in music. Unison We can also use unison as another way to define monophonic texture. Polyphonic Texture definition Polyphonic texture in music occurs when there are two or more independent melodic lines. Fugues are an excellent example of polyphonic texture. Two-part texture Two-part writing is a simple type of polyphony. Contrapuntal texture Counterpoint is a type of polyphonic texture in which there is a harmonic relationship between the melodic lines or voices.

Musical Canon or Round Nursery rhymes sung in a round have a contrapuntal texture. Homophonic texture in music example The general texture of classical music is mostly homophonic although there are examples of contrapuntal music within this era.

There are several ways, however, that you can define homophonic music in more detail. For example the texture is homophonic, there is a melody which is accompanied by a: 1 Alberti Bass An alberti bass consists of a broken chord or arpeggio pattern that repeats.

Classical composers often use an Alberti bass in classical piano sonatas. The melody from the song Rio Grande is accompanied by a drone. The um cha cha chordal accompaniment 4 Ostinato An ostinato is a pattern that continually repeats throughout a piece, usually at the same pitch. These types of chords were incredibly popular with ragtime composers such as Scott Joplin. Chorale Texture Four-part harmony is the homophonic texture definition often used for Chorales. Heterophonic music definition Heterophonic music consists of two or more parts that are elaborating upon the same melody.

The voices are often improvising around the tune. Check out the Learn the Secret to Effective Practice Mini-Course here If you would like more continued support in helping you have fun and better progress on your instrument please check out the Learn Music Together Membership. Related Posts: What are Phrases in music? Baroque Music Characteristics-Everything you need to know.

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